Tributes to young man killed in crash between lorry and road sweeper on A299 Thanet Way at St Nicholas-at-Wade
A young man killed in a tragic crash this week has been described as a "big character" with an "infectious smile". Popular Marshall Spelzini lost his life when the lorry he was a passenger in collided with a road sweeper on the A299 Thanet Way[1] on Tuesday evening.
His death has devastated his family and friends and his many teammates past and present at football clubs across east Kent. One of his former sides, Dover Rangers FC, says news of the tragedy has left them with a "squad full of heavy broken hearts".
"His infectious smile and cheeky personality will certainly be missed by all," they added. Marshall, who was in his 20s, had also played for Dover Town Wanderers and Betteshanger FC, but more recently had returned to his boyhood team, Cinque Ports FC. The club posted: "I write this with a heavy heart after learning that one of our own has passed away.
After having some time away playing for Dover Rangers he came back to be a vital member of our club and community.
Picture: Facebook
"Marshall was loved by all that knew him and he will truly be missed. "The club's thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family and partner Maisie, as well as the lads at Dover Rangers FC."
Joanne Wall, the mother of his girlfriend, described him as "the best son-in-law I can only ever dream of having". "Our house is not the same without you here.
You will never leave our hearts." David Stapley said Marshall's death is a "massive loss not just for football but also as a human".
"Truly one in a million mate, it was a pleasure to have known you on such a good level," he added. Betteshanger FC described Marshall as "a big character who will be missed", revealing the club will hold a minute's silence before their game this Saturday.
Dover Town Wanderers added: "Hope you're kicking a ball around up there, keep shining lad, our love always." Marshall died after the Fiat Ducato lorry he was in struck a stationary Iveco Daily road sweeper shortly before 7pm on Tuesday. The lorry had been travelling Londonbound on the A299 at St Nicholas-at-Wade at the time of the collision.
The crash sparked a huge emergency response, with police, ambulance and fire crews sent to the scene, but nothing could be done to save Marshall's life.
The driver of the lorry, a man is in his 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains there in a stable condition.
The other driver, a man in his 60s, suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital. Kent Police's serious collision investigation unit is urging anyone who witnessed the incident, but has not yet spoken to police, to contact them. Dashcam footage can also be uploaded here[2].
Anyone with information should call 01622 798538, or email [email protected], quoting reference EW/LB/012/25.
References
- ^ collided with a road sweeper on the A299 Thanet Way (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ here (kep.uk.evidence.com)